one-dimensional

adjective

one-di·​men·​sion·​al

ˈwən-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl

 

 also  -dī-

1

: having one dimension

A straight line is one-dimensional.

The one-dimensional sequence of amino acids is the primary structure.

—Douglas R. Hofstadter

2

: lacking depth or complexity : superficial

To the audience, the term "sitcom" connoted a lot of one-dimensional stories and characters.

—Bob Fisher

one-dimensionality

ˈwən-də-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

 also  -dī-

noun

one-di​mension​ally adverb

a one-dimensionally portrayed character

The pixels were arranged one-dimensionally. [=in a straight line]

Synonyms

• facile
• shallow
• skin-deep
• superficial

Examples of one-dimensional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Courtesy of Stan For Baig, much of the characterisation on the show comes from real-world experiences, particularly their conversations with trans and non-binary friends — and their collective frustrations around one-dimensional characters. —Alexandra Koster, refinery29.com, 23 Nov. 2023

The sound quality is strong and clear, although a bit one-dimensional, like most soundboard recordings. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 20 Nov. 2023

Examples include a circle, which is one-dimensional, as well as the two-dimensional surface of an ordinary ball like a basketball. —Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 7 Nov. 2023

These characters, however, are only ornamental and one-dimensional, unlike their white counterparts. —Essence, 31 Oct. 2023

Everyone Else Burns works because we’re introduced to these characters with a pilot dominated by very funny and very one-dimensional snark, but by the second and third episodes, all four main characters are becoming more open to the world around them and to each other. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2023

But John’s one-dimensional personality is a theatrical shortcoming the playwright and the director leave unaddressed. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2023

Each number wouldn’t need to get multiplied as many times as in the one-dimensional case, but there were more distinct numbers to multiply. —Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 17 Oct. 2023

In order to successfully bypass the one-dimensional lighting of the booth and radiate through the dullness—a little extra time, effort and product is required on picture day. —Twiggy Jalloh, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

one-dimensional

adjective

1

: having one dimension

2

: stereotyped